Young people in work
a) 16- and 17-year-olds
Living allowance
The leaving care service has a duty to provide a living allowance for young people who are eligible or relevant.
Rent
16–17-year-olds who are eligible or relevant are unable to claim housing benefit until they are 18 years old. Where they have a liability to pay rent, it is the duty of the leaving care service to pay this. Any earnings will not affect these rental payments.
Ordinarily the leaving care service does not make rent payments for young people and any decision to do so must be agreed with the Corporate Parenting Manger.
b) 18 years and older
Earnings and benefits entitlement
A young person who is working could claim universal credit if they are on a low wage. leaving care worker should support young people in contacting DWP to verify what they are eligible to claim.
Rent or universal credit
Providing the young person has a liability to pay rent, they are eligible to make a claim. It is a means tested benefit, so the amount that they will receive will depend on their earnings.
Ordinarily the leaving care service does not make rent payments for young people